The narrative that Pixar needs sequels and known brands is wrong. Hoppers—a non-IP original about a college student who transfers her consciousness into a robotic beaver to save a forest—has a 94% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and opened to $88 million worldwide ($46 million domestic, $42 million international). That is the best opening for a Pixar original since Coco in 2017. As screenrant.com reported, Hoppers has joined Pixar’s all-time elite Rotten Tomatoes list. The film proves that original stories with environmental themes can still dominate—and that the franchise-first strategy is a choice, not a necessity.
The Narrative That Pixar Needs Sequels Is Wrong
Pixar’s recent history has been defined by sequels: Inside Out 2 grossed $1.7 billion. Elio, the studio’s previous original, flopped with only $154 million globally despite strong reviews. The Wrap and the Los Angeles Times reported that Hoppers was positioned as the film that could become what Elio could not: an original Pixar hit. The narrative had taken hold that audiences prefer sequels and that original animation must be relegated to streaming. Hoppers disproves that.
As reported by screenrant.com, the film currently holds a 94% critics’ score, making it one of the best for a non-IP Pixar movie. The consensus describes it as “a sprightly riot that might just be the funniest entry in the Pixar canon yet,” with reviewers highlighting its comic irreverence, vibrant animation, and clever storytelling. Many have called it Pixar’s best film since Coco, representing a confident step forward for the studio.
Original Stories With Environmental Themes Can Still Dominate
Hoppers follows Mabel Tanaka, voiced by Piper Curda, who uses revolutionary technology to transfer her consciousness into a robotic beaver to communicate with animals and prevent a developer’s highway from destroying their habitat. The film stars Jon Hamm, Kathy Najimy, Dave Franco, and Meryl Streep. Directed by Daniel Chong and produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle, it is a classic Pixar environmental story—but without the franchise baggage. As The Direct reported, Pixar may finally snap an 11-year box office slump with its new original.
The $88 million worldwide opening is the best for a Pixar original since Coco’s $104.7 million. It significantly outperformed Elemental ($65.1 million) and Onward ($65.6 million). For Pixar’s leadership, Hoppers demonstrates that original IP can still connect theatrically, potentially justifying continued investment in new stories rather than relying exclusively on sequels.
What This Actually Means
The franchise-first strategy is a choice, not a necessity. Hoppers proves that Pixar can thrive without known brands—when the story is good enough. The environmental theme, the comic tone, and the emotional core all resonated. The studio did not need a sequel or a prequel. It needed a compelling original. The narrative that Pixar needs sequels was always a convenient excuse for risk aversion. Hoppers is the counterargument.
Background
What is Hoppers? Pixar’s March 2026 animated film, directed by Daniel Chong, about a college student who transfers her consciousness into a robotic beaver to save a forest from developers. It stars Piper Curda, Jon Hamm, Meryl Streep, and Dave Franco.